Port Adelaide has revealed star player, Robbie Gray, was recently diagnosed with testicular cancer.
Gray underwent surgery following the end of the season to remove the tumor and is set to undergo a small course of chemotherapy as a precaution.
“The chemotherapy is a preventative measure to significantly reduce the chance of cancer returning,” Port Adelaide’s Doctor Mark Fisher said.
Port's General Manager of Football, Chris Davies said Gray's health and is paramount at this time, however, the club is hopeful the 29-year-old can begin pre-season training with the main group next month.
“Robbie’s health and wellbeing is, as always, the most important thing to us,” Davies said.
“We are thankful the surgery went as well as it could have.
“The treatment isn’t expected to interfere with Robbie’s ability to begin pre-season training in November.”
The club has also asked that the public and media respect "the privacy of Gray, his wife Annabel, their families and friends be respected during this time".
Gray played every game in 2017, averaging 19 disposals, 4.3 marks, 2.5 tackles and kicking 47 goals.